KEY POINTS:
The Green Party today called on Education Minister Steve Maharey to act immediately to protect children who attend schools that continue to impose corporal punishment, in defiance of the law.
MP Sue Bradford was commenting on reports that Wainuiomata Christian College continued to impose corporal punishment, with the approval of parents.
Ms Bradford said she wrote to Mr Maharey six months ago about corporal punishment policy at Auckland's Tyndale Park Christian School and other private schools.
She had been assured the ministry would take the matter up with the NZ Association of Christian Schools, followed by steps to clarify the law on this subject.
"Nothing has happened, judging by the Wainuiomata Christian College case," Ms Bradford said.
"This school -- and others like it around the country -- is apparently continuing to defy a law that was passed 20 years ago in New Zealand.
"Just because there is parental approval does not make it alright."
The Education Review Office noted in a review that the principal and the board of Wainuiomata Christian College refused to confirm or deny the use of corporal punishment.
Principal Martin Keast told The Dominion Post the prohibition on corporal punishment was a "rotten" law because it infringed parental rights.
The private school of about 70 pupils has fallen foul of the ERO over the issue. Previous ERO reports said the school administered corporal punishment with the approval of parents.
Mr Keast said that as a Christian he believed the law was "contrary to scripture".
He said corporal punishment was a private matter and the ERO had no authority to interfere.
Ms Bradford said the law banning corporal punishment in New Zealand schools existed to protect children.
"A school is supposed to be a safe place, where children are able to learn, free from the threat of violence."
She urged the minister to act immediately to enforce the law.
- NZPA
